The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 10, 2001
Filed:
May. 10, 1999
Fiona M. Taylor, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Thomas W. Osborn, III, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Karen A. Kreutz, Cincinnati, OH (US);
George A. M. Butterworth, Loveland, OH (US);
The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Abstract
This invention relates to absorbent tampons. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved absorbent tampon having improved leakage performance. Tampons, having a primary absorbent member which is constructed from an absorbent material compressed to a self-sustaining form and a mass of secondary absorbent material are disclosed. The mass of secondary absorbent material is preferably located generally proximate the withdrawal end of the primary absorbent member, and is preferably substantially non-compress, and preferably of a smaller diameter than the primary absorbent member. The mass of secondary absorbent material may be a multiple pieces or one piece. The secondary absorbent material may be attached to the primary absorbent member, the withdrawal cord, or both, or may be integral with one or both of these members. The withdrawal cord of the tampon may have absorbent and non-absorbent zones, especially when the mass of secondary absorbent material is attached to the withdrawal cord. The mass of secondary absorbent material preferably has a lower total absorbency than the primary absorbent member. Preferably, the mass of secondary absorbent material is provided with a driving force to direct fluid toward the primary absorbent member. A preferred method of making a tampon of the present invention is also disclosed.